LETTERS TO THE SUNBaha'is celebrate Festival of Ridvan

Baha'is across the globe will be celebrating the 12-day Festival of Ridvan from April 21 to May 3. This festival, one of the
most important of Baha'i holy days, marks the 139th anniversary of the declaration of Baha'u'llah, the prophet-founder of the
Baha'i Faith, of his mission and his message of peace, harmony, hope and prosperity for the whole world. While on exile from
Persia to Baghdad at the order of the government of Persia from 1853-1863, he declared his ministry to be the culmination of
the fulfillment of the prophecies of all the past religions at a spot known as the Garden of Ridvan (Garden of Paradise).

On April 21, Baha'i communities elect their administrative bodies and spiritual assemblies in a democratic process that is
unprecedented in the history of religious and political institutions in that these elections take place without nominations
and without campaigning.

Baha'is celebrate the first, the ninth, and the 12th day of Ridvan as very special days during this period. Baha'i communities
all over the Bay Area, indeed, all over the world will be sponsoring various kinds of festivals and events. All events are
open to the public and there is no fund solicitation or any kind of obligation. For information please call 254-1227, 254-2093
or 253-0412.